Sexual harassment lawsuit targets ex-Gov. DiFrancesco

Published October 25th, 2007 in Star-Ledger

A lawyer who claims she was sexually harassed by former Gov. Donald DiFrancesco and fired from his law firm when she "blew the whistle" on bad behavior by a municipal judge filed suit against the firm yesterday.

Candidate calls GOP rival a Bush-style conservative

Published October 25th, 2007 in Trenton Times

Democratic State Senate candi date Seema Singh's attempt to paint her opponent as a George W. Bush conservative who walks in lockstep with the president were met with derision this week from state labor unions that have endorsed Bill Baroni, the Republican candidate from the 14th District.

Members of the state teachers union, the AFL-CIO and the Teamsters union called for Singh to stop a series of advertisements concern ing Baroni's voting record on issues such as stem cell research, Social Security, the environment and the Iraq war.

Working to keep Jerseyans in New Jersey

Published October 25th, 2007 in Asbury Park Press

If politics, the economy and taxes are driving people to give up on New Jersey, candidates vying for the Legislature in the 13th District say they have ideas to win them over, while improving their quality of life.

Democrats say they are pushing for transparency in government and increased communication with constituents.

Burlco GOP feuds over held funds

Published October 24th, 2007 in The Courier-Post

A smoldering feud in the Burlington County Republican party caught fire Tuesday when, in a private letter to local party chairmen, state Sen. Diane Allen said GOP boss Glenn Paulsen had tried to withhold $150,000 from her campaign.

Paulsen, she said, "is not working in the best interests of the organization."

Kean, Villapiano face off in a wide-open race in 11th District

Published October 24th, 2007 in Asbury Park Press

You really can't say any candidate enjoys the full power of incumbency in the races for the state's 11th Legislative District.

Certainly, state Assemblyman Sean Kean, R-Monmouth, can run on his record in the state's lower house, but this time around he's running for the state Senate. And while his Democratic opponent, John Villapiano, has legislative experience, he hasn't officially been a member of the legislative delegation since Jim Florio was governor.

Dems challenge GOP incumbents in 30th

Published October 23rd, 2007 in Burlington County Times

The Democratic challengers in the 30th District legislative races are trying to unseat longtime Republican incumbents with a message focused on property taxes and ethics reform.

The state Senate race pits Democrat Steve Morlino of Howell against Sen. Robert Singer of Lakewood. Singer has held the seat since 1993.

Democrats eye a sweep of legislative races in South Jersey

Published October 22nd, 2007 in The Star Ledger

In the state's six southernmost counties, Republican lawmakers have become an endangered species. With elections looming in two weeks, Democrats are doing their best to send them into extinction.

Atlantic County bigs slug it out

Published October 22nd, 2007 in The Philadelphia Inquirer

The race for Atlantic County's state Senate seat, an unusually powerful position since the 1930s heyday of Frank "Hap" Farley, is as close as it gets.

Two well-known local figures - Democratic Assemblyman James Whelan and the incumbent, Republican James "Sonny" McCullough - are fighting it out door to door and on the air.

Key issues hinge on election results

Published October 22nd, 2007 in The Record

Tax rebates for homeowners who make more than $200,000, a new school-funding formula and the future of the state's lottery and toll roads are among the key state issues to be decided at the polls next month.

No, voters won't be making those policy choices directly on Nov. 6. The legislative candidates they choose will beginning early next year.

Will new faces change N.J. Legislature?

Published October 22nd, 2007 in The Courier-Post

The winds of change are certain to blow in the Legislature after the Nov. 6 election, but whether new lawmakers will be swept into the State House with fresh ideas and independent thinking remains to be seen.

At least 31 of the 120 state lawmakers will leave office in January -- the biggest turnover since 1992.

1st District Senate Race - Elect Jeff Van Drew

Published October 21st, 2007 in The Press of Atlantic City

Republican state Sen. Nicholas Asselta and Democratic Assemblyman Jeff Van Drew, who is challenging Asselta for the 1st District Senate seat, dffer substantially in matters of both style and policy.

That's good. Voters have a real choice. But of the two, Van Drew's activist approach to politics, policy and government makes him the better choice, in our opinion.

This Year, Cardinale's trips are fair game

Published October 18th, 2007 in The Record

If anyone thinks state Sen. Gerald Cardinale sold his soul to the banking industry by accepting all-expense-paid junkets to Puerto Rico or Palm Beach or even to a neoclassical resort nestled in the blue hills of West Virginia, well, that's just crazy, he says.

"Anybody who knows me understands that you don't buy Gerry Cardinale with a trip,'' he said, with some exasperation, during last week's 39th Legislative District debate.

30th District state Senate candidates agree on little

Published October 18th, 2007 in The Asbury Park Press

NEPTUNE — The candidates for the 30th District state Senate seat agreed Tuesday that the state should not increase tolls as a result of any "monetization" of toll roads to reduce state debt. Beyond that, they agreed on little else.

But both incumbent Republican Sen. Robert W. Singer and Democratic challenger Steven Morlino jabbed each other on the same issue during an appearance before the Asbury Park Press editorial board: Each said the other candidate holds a job that conflicts with a role as a state senator.

Spirited debate on 11th District issues

Published October 18th, 2007 in The Asbury Park Press

NEPTUNE — There was spirited but respectful debate Wednesday as the two candidates for the state Senate from the 11th Legislative District discussed their views on issues ranging from stem cell research to school funding.

The candidates, Republican Sean T. Kean and Democrat John A. Villapiano, made their comments before the Asbury Park Press editorial board.

Senate candidate accuses Bateman of unfairly helping friends

Published October 17th, 2007 in Courier News c-n.com

The Democratic candidate for state Senate in the 16th District is accusing his opponent, Assemblyman Christopher "Kip" Bateman, of using his legislative office to benefit personal acquaintances such as a former freeholder colleague as well as a longtime assistant to his father.

More clout for women in Trenton

Published October 15th, 2007 in The Star Ledger

This fall's scramble to fill 40 open seats in the Senate and Assembly is expected to bring a record number of women into the New Jersey Legislature.

Barring any election-day stunners, when the 120 members of the 213th Legislature are sworn in next January, at least one in four will be female.

Democrats looking to buck midterm election history

Published October 14th, 2007 in Associated Press

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — New Jersey Democrats are in for a tough Election Day, if history is any measure.

But Republicans aren't so sure history is on their side either.

Senate Candidates in 13th Focus on State's Finances

Published October 11th, 2007 in The Asbury Park Press

NEPTUNE — They both agreed that controlling property taxes needs to be a priority and that the school-funding formula should be revised.

But Sen. Joseph M. Kyrillos Jr., R-Monmouth, did disagree with his Democratic opponent, Leonard L. Inzerillo, on at least one issue. The two candidates seeking to fill the Senate seat representing the 13th Legislative District attended an Asbury Park Press editorial board meeting Wednesday to discuss their platforms.

Smith Rates Senate Nod in the 17th

Published October 11th, 2007 in The Home News Tribune

Some political endorsements are easier to render than others. Here is one of them. Democratic Party stalwart Bob Smith is by far and away the best choice for New Jersey's 17th District Senate seat over Republican challenger John Costello.

The NJ-39 Series: Cardinale = Silence for Public Meeting Information

Published October 11th, 2007 in BlueJersey.com

On his new campaign website, Republican State Senator Gerald "Gerry" Cardinale explains in a video clip why he's established the site: "So that you can know the truth about my record." I'll be happy to take Mr. Cardinale up on his offer, as I have been doing for the last month, and bit by bit reveal to you, the reader his extraordinarily extreme record in 28 years as a New Jersey legislator. For example, Cardinale talks a good game when it comes to government transparency, but did you know that he prefers cutting off newspaper advertisements of public meetings? I didn't either at first. But if you get to know the real Gerry Cardinale as I have, you'll understand as well as I do why he needs to be defeated on November 6th.

Buono Has Earned Another Senate Term

Published October 10th, 2007 in The Home News Tribune

Brown talks sensibly on these and a myriad of other pressing issues, and he is more than qualified as a candidate for the 18th District state Senate seat.

The trouble for Brown is that his opponent, Barbara Buono, has earned her incumbency and the public's respect throughout more than a dozen years of effective lawmaking.

Buono, a Democrat, was elected to the Senate in 2001 after seven years in the Assembly. During her tenure, especially as a senator, she has shown her pluck.

Candidates in 39th Square Off Over Ethics

Published October 10th, 2007 in The Record

PARAMUS -- Republican state Sen. Gerald Cardinale and his Democratic challenger, Saddle Brook lawyer Joseph Ariyan, took turns playing defense Tuesday at a combative debate before voters from the 39th Legislative District.

Cardinale defended himself from an accusation that a cozy relationship with banking interests -- including several trips to resorts paid for by industry lobbyists -- had compromised his independence as a member and former chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee.

Dennison Blaming Allen for Bush Ills

Published October 9th, 2007 in The Philadelphia Inquirer

What a difference nine years can make.

In September 1998, Richard Dennison was cheering on then-Republican U.S. Rep. Jon Fox at a blueberry-pie-eating contest in Lower Gwynedd, Pa.

A University of Pennsylvania senior, Dennison wore a Jon Fox T-shirt and declared to a reporter: "I can't think of anything better that we could be doing on a Saturday than helping him get reelected."

Now, Dennison's a Democratic candidate for state Senate, frequently standing outside Republican incumbent Diane Allen's Burlington City office and blaming her for what he saw as the ills of President Bush's administration.

Consolidation, school aid top Democrats list

Published October 7th, 2007 in Courier-Post

The Democratic incumbents running for re-election in the 6th District say they have a proven track record of tackling meaningful quality-of-life issues.

Thousands upon thousands of workers no longer have to deal with breathing in harmful secondhand smoke because of an indoor smoking ban he shepherded through the Legislature, said state Sen. John Adler, D-Camden.

The NJ-39 Series: Cardinale the Stem-Cell Obstructionist

Published October 6th, 2007 in Blue Jersey.com

Just yesterday I wrote about New Jersey's upcoming referendum on Stem-Cell research, and why the proposal is an excellent one for New Jersey both economically and as a step in a progressive direction for the state. But while the voters of New Jersey will have their say on November 6th on the issue, they'll also have their say on 40 legislative districts across the Garden State. One of the most competitive ones that will be decided is one I have covered extensively before - New Jersey's 39th Legislative district, located in Bergen County. And one of the biggest opposition leaders in Trenton to the Stem-Cell referendum is Gerald "Gerry" Cardinale, the GOP's State Senator in NJ-39. Think Mitch McConnell as a purely New Jersey-style legislator, and you've got Cardinale. And like Mitch McConnell, Gerry Cardinale must be defeated.

Democrats Put Focus on Jobs in 3rd District

Published October 6th, 2007 in The Courier-Post

Democratic candidates for state Senate and two Assembly seats in the 3rd Legislative District want to bring more jobs to their district as well as consolidate services and administrative costs to save taxpayer dollars, they said at a Courier-Post editorial board meeting this week.

Incumbent Assemblymen Doug Fisher of Bridgeton and John Burzichelli of Paulsboro and Sen. Stephen Sweeney of West Deptford said the Paulsboro port as well as two others in Greenwich and Salem would bring as many as 10,000 jobs to the district.

In Kean's backyard, Dean says Democrats must compete everywhere

Published October 5th, 2007 in PoliticsNJ.com

When Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean starts listing the names of American cities in rapid succession, it’s difficult for the observer not to brace for what surely will be a war whoop exclamation point.

An old joke for Dean, but inevitable in packed houses where he faces core supporters. And while the former pump-up-the-volume anti-war Presidential candidate did rattle off locales where he believes Democrats can compete with the implementation of his 50-state strategy, there was no jump off the oratorical high dive as he addressed Union County Democrats this morning at the Kenilworth Inn.

GOP leader balks at signing Baroni letter

Published October 3rd, 2007 in The Trenton Times

Racquel Chiarella of Monroe considered herself a faithful Republican, so when she was asked to write a letter to the editors of several newspapers in support of state Senate candidate Bill Baroni, she was more than happy to oblige.

But when Baroni's staffers sent her a form letter to sign that was critical of Democratic Senate candidate Seema Singh, Chiarella not only refused, but resigned her leadership position with the Monroe GOP committee.

Tax hikes, ethics laws debated in Senate race

Published October 3rd, 2007 in The Asbury Park Press

TINTON FALLS — Assemblywoman Jennifer Beck squared off against incumbent state Sen. Ellen Karcher on Tuesday night in their first debate as 12th District state Senate candidates.

Beck tried to paint Karcher as being beholden to Democratic Party bosses for having to support watered-down ethics legislation and voting for tax and fee increases.

Karcher said Beck hasn't gotten a single bill passed in her 1-1/2 years as an assemblywoman, and tried to characterize her as a lobbyist who encourages state spending when it benefits her clients.

The NJ-39 Series: Show Some Love to Dispel Some Hate

Published September 30th, 2007 in Blue Jersey.com

Up until now, I haven't made any financial pleas for New Jersey's 39th Legislative District. This is because I feel as if "getting the word out" about the district, its out-of-touch Republican incumbents (Gerry Cardinale, John Rooney and Charlotte Vandervalk) and the Democrats taking them on (Joe Ariyan, Esther Fletcher and Carl Manna) was more important. In fact, it still is, because turning NJ-39 blue - with your help - will not only be a tremendous victory for New Jersey and its Democratic Party, but will serve as a textbook example of how to turn the suburbs and exurbs of America Democratic as well. I'm working hard to turn State Senator Cardinale and his Assembly running mates out of office - and now I need your help.

Contest in 3rd: Clash warfare

Published September 30th, 2007 in Gloucester County Times

To critics who scoff at his aggressive style, state Sen. Stephen Sweeney says he's not about to be a spectator in the state Legislature.

"I'm not going to worry about Well, this might hurt me in the next election,'" said Sweeney, of West Deptford. "You might not like what I'm saying all the time, but I think people actually like the fact that I'm not afraid to speak up and talk about the issues."

Republicans revive anti-tax increase plan rejected 10 years ago

Published September 28th, 2007 in Associated Press

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — When Republican Gov. Christie Whitman wanted to require supermajority votes to increase taxes, her biggest critics in 1997 were Republicans who controlled the Legislature and questioned whether it was sound public policy.

Now in the minority, Republicans are more than rethinking their objections. They're making the supermajority idea the centerpiece of efforts to try to retake the Legislature, where all 120 seats are up for election in November.

Connors, Corby offer views on key issues

Published September 27th, 2007 in The Asbury Park Press

This year's race for the 9th District state Senate seat is steeped heavily in local issues, but also encompasses the larger economic and political imbroglio brewing in Trenton.

Democrats unveil plan to cut core of corruption

Published September 26th, 2007 in Asbury Park Press

OCEAN TOWNSHIP — Saying that the anti-corruption laws now on the books don't go far enough, the Democratic candidates for the 11th District state legislative seats Tuesday unveiled a 15-point plan they maintain will cut "the entrenched core of corruption out of Trenton and Monmouth County politics."

16th Dist. candidates debate issues and trade barbs

Published September 25th, 2007 in The Star Ledger

In a clash of 16th District legislative candidates, Republicans blasted ‘‘waste, fraud and corruption’’ in Trenton, while Democrats concentrated their fire closer to home.

Cleaning up a culture of corruption

Published September 23rd, 2007 in The New Jersey Herald

Winning over voters in the 24th Legislative District began as a mission to receive $10 donations through a state campaign financing program, but now it has come down to cleaning up politics in New Jersey.

The district's "clean elections" financing project has been about empowering voters and eliminating the influence of special interests, but now Democratic candidates are taking that philosophy to the next level with a series of ethics reform proposals. Some of the proposals go against their own state leadership, just weeks after 11 public officials were arrested for allegedly taking bribes in exchange for public contracts.

Whelan unveils his government ethics plan

Published September 21st, 2007 in The Press of Atlantic City

With Republicans looking to link him to any number of Democrats recently charged with political corruption, state Senate candidate Assemblyman Jim Whelan laid out his plans Thursday for cleaning up New Jersey politics.

Whelan, D-Atlantic - who is running against state Sen. James "Sonny" McCullough, R-Atlantic - said that if he returns to the Legislature, he will push for laws that would require public records to be posted online; remove all legislators from the state ethics committee; toughen the ban on gifts from lobbyists and force public officials convicted of corruption to forfeit their pensions.

Elders and Statesmen Enjoy a Day at the Park

Published September 20th, 2007 in The Record

The annual senior citizen picnic at Van Saun Park on Wednesday seemed to have everything one would want on a crisp September day: free food, music, dancing, lots of tchotchkes.

Well, almost everything.

Democratic Hopefuls Discuss Ideas

Published September 19th, 2007 in The Courier-Post

Property tax relief, ethics reform and potential state spending caps are just some of the topics topping the three-candidate Democratic slate running for election in the 4th Legislative District.

Sandra Love, longtime mayor of Gloucester Township, joins incumbent Assemblyman Paul Moriarty, D-Gloucester, for two open seats for the state Assembly.

State Sen. Fred H. Madden, D-Gloucester, the third candidate on the ticket, is running for a second term.

Gerry Cardinale and the Gun Lobby: Perfect Together

Published September 18th, 2007 in BlueJersey.net

Yesterday I profiled New Jersey State Senator Gerald "Gerry" Cardinale and his ultra-conservative positions that he’s taken throughout his 25-year career. However, I deliberately did not mention his most extreme belief – on gun control. Let me be clear: New Jersey is NOT an NRA-friendly state. In fact, one reason former Governor Jim Florio nearly won reelection in 1993 after dropping to an 18% approval rating was because of his courageous efforts to promote gun safety and reform the state’s gun laws. One of his chief opponents in that fight was Gerry Cardinale. And after 25 years as a State Senator, Cardinale continues to promote an extreme, NRA-style agenda on gun control that is way out of line with New Jersey voters.

Meet Gerry Cardinale: New Jersey’s Mitch McConnell

Published September 17th, 2007 in BlueJersey.net

A few days ago, I introduced you all to New Jersey’s 39th Legislative District, and why it matters to New Jersey and the country at large in 2007. You can read the article here. Today, I want to start tackling the opposition; for, even though NJ-39 has moved leftward, the incumbents have stayed on the far-right of the political spectrum. And that is especially true of Gerald "Gerry" Cardinale, the district’s State Senator since 1981. In many ways, Cardinale is a New Jersey version of Mitch McConnell; arrogant, divisive, out of touch with political and social changes and blindly loyal to the special interests who back his campaigns. Cardinale’s platform and values better echo 1907 than 2007, and today I’m going to show you why.

Meet NJ-39: A Microcosm of a Nation Turning Blue

Published September 12th, 2007 in BlueJersey.net

Normally, state legislative races are not the most exciting to observe, help or provide aid for - particularly when you're not from that state. If you're reading this right now and are not from New Jersey - DON'T LEAVE. This diary is an introduction to what I believe will be one of the most exciting races to watch in 2007 - and a race that is a microcosm of the United States at large. New Jersey's 39th Legislative District is worth watching for three reasons:

Narrowing door on dual offices

Published September 6th, 2007 in Asbury Park Press

The ban on holding more than one elected office in New Jersey signed Tuesday by Gov. Corzine is an important step toward restoring public trust in government. But by making the prohibition effective in February, it allows the 17 legislators and all other elected county and local officials to keep their multiple jobs until they leave office. So elective dual officeholding isn't banned — yet.

Record 56 women vying for the State House

Published August 17th, 2007 in The Bergen Record

A record 56 women are running for the New Jersey Legislature, but activists and candidates said Thursday that the candidate pool must grow until females occupy at least half the Senate and Assembly.

New Jersey ranks 35th among state legislatures in terms of women elected, according to Rutgers University's Center for American Women in Politics. About 20 percent of the Legislature is female, holding 23 of 120 seats.

"Our Legislature should be as diverse as the state we live in," said Seema Singh, the former ratepayer advocate who is running as a Democrat for Senate in the 14th District.

Karcher's right: Time to ax senatorial courtesy

Published August 8th, 2007 in The Home News Tribune

Pity state Sen. Ellen Karcher, D-Monmouth. Karcher sometimes seems to be one of the few lawmakers truly interested in fundamental reform of New Jersey's political system. For that she suffers the wrath of politicians on all sides.

N.J. legislators want to keep global eye on sex offenders

Published June 8th, 2007 in The Gloucester County Times

TRENTON The state's highest-level sex offenders would be tracked by satellite under a bill pushed forward Thursday by legislators

Senate moves to toughen DUI law

Published June 8th, 2007 in The Courier Post

New Jersey moved toward toughening its drunk-driving laws Thursday, as a Senate committee advanced measures to triple the minimum jail time for driving with a DUI-suspended license and erase a good-behavior window between violations.

N.J. senators advance bill to post hospital-infection data

Published June 8th, 2007 in The Star Ledger

Lawmakers publicized a bill yesterday that would require New Jersey hospitals to make infection rates public and available on the Internet.

Sen. Rice still sounds nice to Essex voters

Published June 7th, 2007 in The Star Ledger

For state Sen. Ronald L. Rice, being the odd man out in the Essex County Democratic Party has become a familiar yet fortuitous spot.

Move to ban smoking in cars with kids advances

Published June 7th, 2007 in Associated Press

TRENTON, N.J. -- A proposal banning smoking in cars with kids inside advanced easily Thursday after its sponsor told colleagues there are few things more dangerous than exposing children to secondhand smoke in confined spaces.

Codey backs property tax referendum

Published May 26th, 2007 in The Record of Bergen

A controversial bill to dedicate 1 cent of the state's 7-cents-per-dollar sales tax to property tax relief gained considerable momentum on Friday with the endorsement of Senate President Richard J. Codey, D-Essex.

Paid family leave act going to N.J. Senate

Published May 25th, 2007 in Philadelphia Business Journal

Legislation that would provide New Jersey workers with paid time off to care for sick family members, newborns and newly adopted children is on its way to the full Senate for approval.

N.J. eyes greenhouse gas cuts

Published May 25th, 2007 in The Courier Post

New Jersey could become the second state in the nation to set reduction targets for greenhouse gas emissions, after the Senate Environment Committee unanimously advanced a bill Thursday in an effort to curb global warming.

Remember veterans, Spend a moment to recognize their sacrifice

Published May 25th, 2007 in The Record of Bergen

AS ANOTHER Memorial Day draws near, we should keep the focus on the sacrifice and service rendered by our brave men and women.

N.J. Lawmakers Push Proposals on Autism

Published May 21st, 2007 in Associated Press

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) - Amid concern about New Jersey having America's highest autism rate, state senators on Monday pushed toward law proposals to promote research into autism and provide lifetime care for those with the disorder.